Florida and Football

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this thing. And like I’ve said before, it seems a lot easier to update my Twitter account. But anyways, here’s the quick 411 of what’s been going on.

My dad had a business trip lay over on Thursday 8/21 so we grabbed dinner and had some killer conversation time. It was great to see him. I went to another Sounds game with Sara and some kids she watches. Again, the fireworks were awesome. The next day we took a trip to Murfreesboro and met up with Tobin to see Abandon Kansas play. They definitely impressed me and though I don’t think their album matches up with the energy they have live, I look forward to keeping any eye on them.
I got see the mighty Stone Temple Pilots for the first time when they rocked out the Grand Ole Opry on 8/24. It was amazing. I was just glad Weiland showed up. He is by far one of the best modern day frontmen you will ever see. I felt like I was transported back to 1994 when they opened up with “Big Empty”. It was a kick ass show.

I went to yet another Sounds game with Sara, Derek, and Danny but this time it was Thirsty Thursday (ie, $1 beer). The tickets were free and the beer was cheap so obviously you can’t turn down entertainment like that plus the people watching is great.

I took a trip Labor Day weekend with my bros Phil and Tobin to St. Augustine, FL. It was the first time I could remember I took a “guys” trip. We stayed on a boat called the Flip Side (owned by the former drummer of Creed and now Alter Bridge) and lived it up large for 4 nights / 3 days. We probably drank way too many Goombay Smashes on Reggae Sunday at the Conch House. But the drinks were free and the hang time was killer. It was a very historic town and a very chill environment. Their tourist slogan was “A quaint little fishing village with a huge drinking problem”. Thanks to Richard, Roli, the McClelland family, and the rest of the SSB guys for the hospitality and great times. I had never been to St. Augustine before and always wanted to go, so I’m really glad I did and that I made a trip with some good dudes who have become great friends this past year. Here are some pics.

Once I got back to TN Sara and I grabbed dinner with the Boer family. Debb sure does know how to cook a killer meal and not just cause I hadn’t had a home cooked meal in a while. Then on the weekend Sara and I had dinner with Beth and Devan at City House in the Germantown area of Nashville. It was my first time eating there and I freakin’ loved it. We followed that up by hittin’ up 3 Crow for Emmy’s and Derek’s birthdays. A lot of friends came out and it was great time seeing everyone and catching up.

I went to my first Tennessee Titans game yesterday. My bro JR had free tickets and I of course took the opportunity to go. I have never been to a pro football game before and it was killer to go to game 1. Not only did the Titans pull out a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars but Penn State alumni quarterback Kerry Collins came in and drove the team down the field for the game clinching touchdown win. As one of my favorite ESPN commentators says, “He was as cool as the other side of the pillow”.

Penn State football has started and so far we’re 2-0. I think we’ll have a really good season and I can’t wait to go home to PA at the end of the month for the Illinois game which is also the WHITE OUT game. And in case you don’t know what that is then click HERE.

Anyways, that’s the latest.